Andrew Perry - Spring 2005

Andrew Perry is fearless. The 11-year-old from Hopkinton, MA, has perfected his snowboarding technique so much he now boards down the most difficult trails possible — double-diamond!

He is also very brave. He’s had 20 operations so far with a few more to go. Luckily, he celebrated his first full year without any operations.Congratulations, Andrew!

Right now, he has just about finished the fifth grade. He enjoys Math and Science the most. This summer he’ll have more time to play video games and collect Pokémon and Yu-gi-oh cards. He’ll also pursue his other outdoor hobbies: swimming, camping and fishing.

He’s also going to the upcoming retreat in Nashville, his third retreat so far. If you haven’t heard his rendition of Cher’s song, “Believe,” you’re missing out! He stole the show, and the mike from the DJ, last year. Hopefully he’ll sing for us again.

As for Cher, she and Andrew are good friends. In fact, he saw Cher in concert on Tuesday, April 12. This is his second time to see her show and visit her backstage. Last time he sat on the front row. This time he was further back, and Cher wouldn’t have any of it. She had Andrew move seats so that she could see him during the show. How cool is that?

Andrew has gone through much in his young life. Twenty operations is a lot to endure. But his family and good friends, Cameron and Nathan, have stuck with him through the rough times. His advice to other CCA kids is to be brave. And on the practical side, he offers this advice: “Don’t eat too soon after surgery.”

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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